7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all use daily. The temptation is to consider the convenience of it as a given, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a trash can. Certain things should not ever be flushed away down the toilet because they can cause obstruction within the drainage system or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items could result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
Here are seven household items that you shouldn’t flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option, but they do not dissolve like toilet paper. They can also clog water lines. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Oil and grease should be put in a container, then thrown in the trash, as they’ll get hard and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they mix with other things to cause a terrible obstruction.
5. Medicines
Medications should never be flushed down the toilet because they could pollute our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be sturdy and durable, meaning it won’t break apart in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave, which makes them less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, which means they won’t quickly cause blockages.
In the end, flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unforetold price to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items you send down the toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
Common Questions & Answers
Can flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain since they are not able to dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and aren’t broken down so easily, resulting in possible clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush them into the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways. Therefore, it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking these to designated drop-off location.
If you are dealing with blockage of your drain Do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing solutions for assistance at Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure that your home is free of issues with drainage. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Proactive Steps for Your Home
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Discover the ideal plumber for your clogged drain situation
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Self-Help Approaches for Unclogging Clogged Drains in Your Home
- From Clogged to Clear: A Detailed Tutorial to Unblock Your Shower Drain
- Say farewell to blocked drains with the best solutions
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Why You Need CCTV Drain Inspection Services
